Local students learn important lessons on Halloween

Firefighters Mark Bellantoni, left, and Phil Turcotte give Saratoga Independent School students a lesson in fire prevention safety during their Halloween day tour of the Lake Avenue fire station Wednesday. (PAUL POST/ppost@saratogian.com)

Sylvie Farbaniec, center, was among the dozens of Saratoga Independent School kids dressed in Halloween costumes who visited city officials, police officers and firefighters Wednesday. (PAUL POST/ppost@saratogian.com)

SARATOGA SPRINGS -- Witches, ghosts and goblins were nowhere to be found, and city officials, police officers and firefighters got treats instead of tricks this Halloween.

The kids at Saratoga Independent School dressed up in educational costumes Wednesday, sang songs and gave city employees gifts for their public service.

"We're putting a special emphasis on community service," school director Felice Karlitz said. "This is the children's way of saying thank you."

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The students went to City Hall and met Mayor Scott Johnson, stopped by the police and Public Works departments and then walked to the Lake Avenue fire station, where they got a lesson in fire prevention safety and enjoyed an up-close look at the department's big trucks and apparatus.

The kids based their costumes on an educational lesson or term, and outfits overflowed with creativity.

For example, one boy chose "Measurement" and his costume included a handmade ruler. A girl dressed as "Compost" had a brown costume covered with leaves and dried flowers.

Other kids chose a consonant or adjective and put on their thinking caps to show its meaning. For example, a girl depicting "Rotund" wore a Santa Claus suit.

A young astronomer's costume had a quote from author-scientist Carl Sagan: "Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known."

Inside the firehouse, children displayed an above-average knowledge of fire safety rules, which firefighters Mark Bellantoni and Phil Turcotte reinforced during a detailed presentation and tour.

"What number should you call in an emergency?" Bellantoni asked.

"9-1-1!" kids yelled out.

"Any time there's an emergency, that's the number to dial," Bellantoni said. "But the first thing you do is get out of the house."

To escape a burning structure, its occupants should "stay low and go" to avoid becoming overwhelmed by smoke, he said.

If clothes catch on fire?

"Stop, drop and roll," the students responded.

Bellantoni also told the children to avoid potentially dangerous household items such as matches, stoves and cigarettes.

Then Turcotte put on his firefighter's outfit, piece by piece, while Bellantoni explained each item's function and importance. One by one, kids gave Turcotte a "high five" to thank him for his service.

In a fire, if children see a firefighter, they should go straight to him, Bellantoni said.

"I don't want you to hide or crawl under a bed," he said. "If you can't get out, stay next to a door or window."

He also explained the importance of having a pre-planned meeting place outside the house where family members would gather during a fire. This lets responding firefighters know if everyone is safe or whether someone might still be inside the house.

Before leaving, the kids gave their fire department hosts bags of goodies with a simple message:

"Saratoga Independent School kids want to give you this treat. We hope it makes your day real sweet. And that it gives you a smile that you can wear for quite a while. We made this treat bag just for you, to thank you for all that you do. And for all the time that you give to help make Saratoga a great place to live!"